Shield of reflection

The shield of reflection is a rare but useful item. It conveys reflection. It also does silver damage against silver-hating monsters when wielded, though this is a highly sub-optimal use for it. When unidentified, it is a polished silver shield; when blind, it is a smooth shield.

Every variation of Medusa's lair has a statue of Perseus, sometimes with Medusa on the down stairs, sometimes elsewhere on the level. In the variation of this level with large buildings on the left and right, the statue has a 25% chance of containing a shield of reflection. In all other variations, the chance is 75%. In both cases, the shield is cursed and +0.

Strategy

Although reflection is a crucial property, the shield inhibits both two-weapon combat and spellcasting, making it an unpopular choice for the ascension kit. That said, it's still a potentially useful piece of equipment for early- to mid-game characters who don't rely exclusively on spells, as well as for a few late-game characters who can't or don't want to twoweapon and don't need to cast any spells that can't wait for the shield to come off. (Rangers and cavemen often fall into this category.)